The agreement allows Oregon
enforcement officers to conduct more than 600 hours of patrols
to monitor compliance with federal and state environmental protection
acts. Joint enforcement agreement funds will also enable the
state to purchase and equip two patrol vessels for use in both
inland and offshore waters.

"This agreement will help
us meet our regulatory responsibilities and improve the health
of our fisheries populations," said Tom Shuler, special-agent-in-charge
of OLE's
Northwest Office. "These new partnerships are a step
in the right direction."

"By providing funds to state
agencies, NOAA greatly broadens the reach of its fisheries enforcement
capabilities and builds cooperative understandings at all government
levels," said OLE Chief Dale Jones.

OLE has developed and implemented
JEAs with 23 coastal states and territories. Although various
enforcement agreements have existed in previous years, last year
Congress appropriated the funding necessary to support and expand
OLE's partnerships through a cooperative enforcement program.
In all, the 23 coastal states and territories will receive more
than $14.6 million.

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries
Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's
living marine resources through scientific research, management,
enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other
protected marine species and their habitat.